The new kid on the block vs the tried and true long-distance caliber. Since its introduction, the 300 Norma Magnum cartridge has received a lot of hype for being the new best long-range round, but how does it fair against a battle-tested caliber like the 338 Lapua?
We’ve compared the 300 Norma vs 338 Lapua in 11 categories to determine the master of the mile shot.
While not all the comparisons are perfectly equal, we strive to make them as similar as possible.
Keep scrolling to see if there’s a new master of the mile!
300 Norma vs 338 Lapua
When we compare these cartridges, we’ll notice some striking similarities and differences.
While both calibers are extremely capable of long-range shooting in expert hands, we’re here to determine which one is the best for the average person.
Let’s begin with the rifle cartridge specs of each caliber.
Cartridge Specs
You’ll first notice that the 338 Lapua is slightly larger in all aspects.
The 300 Norma Mag has a bullet diameter of .308" while the more extensive 338 Lapua shoots a bullet with a diameter of .338".
Since the 300 NM shoots a smaller projectile, the neck diameter also needs to be smaller.
The 300 NM neck diameter is 0.342 inches, while the 338 Lapua is 0.372 inches.
The base diameter of the cartridge is one area where only a minute difference exists between the two calibers. The 300 Norma has a base diameter of 0.585 in, and the 338 Lapua is 0.587 in.
The 300 Norma has a case length of 2.492", and the 338 Lapua comes in at 2.724".
The overall length of the shorter 300 NM is 3.618", while the slightly longer 338 Lapua is 3.681".
Because it doesn’t fire as heavy of bullets, the 300 Norma doesn’t need as much case capacity; however, it still has 104.2 gr H2O. The 338 Lapua has a case capacity of 114.2 gr H2O.
The maximum pressure (SAMMI) for the 300 NM is 63,817 psi, but the max pressure for the 338 Lapua is around 60,000 psi.
Does the larger Lapua have an advantage in shooting performance in real-world scenarios?
Let’s find out!
Recoil: 338 Lapua vs 300 Norma
Recoil is the energy a shooter feels when they pull the trigger of a firearm.
Several factors determine felt recoil, such as gun weight, the shooter, and bullet weight.
We need to consider the recoil because many shooters prefer less recoil. That’s why you’ll see muzzle brakes on a precision rifle to reduce the recoil as much as possible without sacrificing the bullet’s effectiveness.
A rifle with lower recoil is easier to handle and be more accurate with; it’s also more enjoyable to shoot because you don’t have a sore shoulder after a few rounds down range.
Most 300 NM rifles weigh seven or eight pounds, while a 338 Lapua Magnum Barrett MRAD weighs 14.5 lbs. So will significantly affect felt recoil.
The 300 Norma Mag recoil energy is about 25.9 ft-lbs. However, that can increase to as much as 35.5 foot-pounds of energy when we increase the bullet’s muzzle velocity or weight.
The 338 Lapua has a lot of felt recoil. In fact, most manufacturers install a muzzle brake to help ease the abuse the shooter’s shoulder receives.
The 338 Lapua with a 250 grain Nosler Accubond traveling at 2850 fps will punch in at 32 ft-lbs.
The winner is easily the 300 Norma because of its reduced amount of recoil.
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